AFL Round 14 – Review: Booing – why?

Irony that saw West Coast supporters boo Jobe Watson, Essendon’s captain, last Thursday night. They were the ones as recently documented, gave Ben Cousins a standing ovation upon his return to Subiaco. OK…understandable that I guess…a favourite son returning from addiction. Such is the much-applauded moral realignment that has taken place at the Eagles in the post-Cousins era, that most in the footy world seemed to be ok with them booing Jobe after his stunning admissions On The Couch. Indeed that would probably be the least of concerns for the AFL and for the Bombers as the investigation continues. Eagle midfielder Matt Priddis said the crowd was entitled to boo as this is the way they have available to express themselves. Fair enough too. I can’t dispute that on either front.

The reality facing the AFL is simple. You can’t treat fans as if they don’t understand. Much can be lost in the context of legal settlements that are undisclosed. Truth is though most smell a rat with Melbourne being fined $500,000 for not tanking – a deal that had the lawyers’ work interwoven into it. It would be also fair to say that if Carlton had the book thrown at it for draft tampering and they did and the Blues also did their time, then the AFL have no choice but to throw the book at the Bombers if they are proven guilty. Most people won’t tolerate cheating – end of story. Most people take their kids to Auskick where their kids pretend to be their heroes, whilst trying to explain why the game should be played within the rules. There is much to play out yet before ASADA’s findings come out but in the end, the game’s integrity is at stake. The public’s innocence is long gone and the cynicism of many motives casts a massive shadow over the future of the game.

Rd 14 2013 FEARLESS: Attn North! Great name for a kid – she’s a future fan?

The Pharmacology College Cup kicked off the run home to the finals with the alleged Old Boys (West Coast) taking on the alleged Current 1st XVIII (Essendon). The Bombers started off well before the Eagles found touch in front of their home crowd. Jobe booed at every turn as the Bombers found something extra in the dank..er.. tank.

Carlton had to overcome a strong case of Etihad-itis, an inability to master the wet, against the Swans on Friday. Kurt Tippett proving big guys can master the slush with deft touches as the Swans surged to a 28pt lead at the ½. Mickey M gave Carlton the stare and a wet weather footy lesson. It helped for a half, but to no avail. Swans by 22.

The Crows sought to master Club Metricon and indeed the GC in an effort to keep their finals hopes alive. Wearing their white artists’ palette, the Crows dream looked shaky by qtr time. Inaccuracy by the home team helped the Crows as did the efforts of sub Matthew Wright, on from the 7min mark of the 1st to kick 4. Crows by 28pts.

The AFL Magpies travelled west to take on the SA Magpies (aka Port Power) in a danger game for Collingwood. But for the first 15 minutes, the Power looked like unlikely finalists, an 11pt lead at qtr time became 16 at the ½ and 18 at ¾. The Pies were close but never quite there. Port’s forward setup proved more Powerful by 35pts.

Freo travelled to Corio Bay to take on the Cats. A shock loss to the Lions fresh in the Geelong mindset, the Cats proceeded to outFreo Freo, shutting down forays forward to lead by 20pts at the 1st change. Freo came out firing in the 2nd and outplayed the Cats to trail only by 11 at the ½. After the ½, the Cats went bang to win well by 41pts.

Meanwhile at the G, the Demons shot out to a 39pt lead at the last break before instilling fear into the Demon faithful. A win is a win and 3pts was enough to keep the Demons’ crowd happy. A 9 goal last qtr by the Dogs close to taking the chockies but no fluffy dice! Jack Watts kicked 4 and took a game saving mark, Chris Dawes 3.

3.8 in the first qtr was enough to give the Tassie Hawks a handy 18pt lead over Brisbane at the first change on their way to their 12th straight win. Big Johnno Brown still showing his wares up one end but Buddy and Roughy kicked 8 between them. A 60pt win for the Hawks – Josh Gibson can thank his stars he’s not in a neckbrace!

North returned to the Etihad gym to give the Giants a lesson in indoor footy, leading by 7 goals early. Sheeds then went basic and stacked the backline, stifling the contest for two quarters of forgettable footy. North went smaller in the last qtr. GWS did miss Jeremy Cameron, a late out. North home by 86. Thomas headbutts a brainfade.. d’oh!

Trent Dennis Lane started the Saints well in the twilight game against the Tigers at the MCG with 2 goals. Then Richmond powered away to lead at qtr time and increase it all night. Jumping Jack’s radar skewed with 3.5. Aaron Edwards added a new dimension up forward. Tigers by 64. The Watters St. Kilda rebuild will take time.

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Comments

Did anyone else notice the change from the commentators regarding the booing? Initially it was ” the crowd’s getting involved here tonight?” After one of the breaks it was more like: “I don’t like it myself. Jobe’s a great bloke.” Did a producer or the AFL tell the commentators to hose it down?

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